Granite Flat Camping

We had a special treat on our last camping trip for the year as my mother, more affectionately known around these parts as Granny Di, joined us for a trip to Granite Flat Campgrounds. Granite Flat, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps camp established in 1933, is in the Uinta National Forest, about a 30 minute drive from our house.



Our campsite was the best we have ever had. From our parking spot you had to hike in about 50 yards through the trees along a wooden boardwalk to the actual site. The privacy from other campers was extraordinary. If we looked carefully one could just make out the top of another tent at campsite below us. The thick stand of trees and underbrush muffled just about all noise from other campers. If you look closely you can see our campsite at the back of this picture.



The campsite had a concrete apron with a fire pit and a large picnic table. The site must have been cleaned by the site host just before our arrival as it was immaculate. We pitched our 4-person tent to the south side of the apron. You can again get a feel for how private the site is in this picture of the tent.



By now the astute reader will be asking themselves how we managed to sleep five people in a 4-person tent. Well, when two of the campers are as small as Katherine and Jeffrey you can just make do by stretching one of them along the top of everyone else's head. Nice mask on there Granny Di!



We spent a good amount of time around the campsite as there were numerous small trails for the kids to explore. In addition, we spent a fair amount of time cooking and enjoying each other's company, afterall that is what family camping is all about!



Although we did spend a fair amount of time relaxing at the campsite, we did get out to take advantage of the surrounding area. Saturday morning we headed out to Cascade Springs. We first stumbled upon this park about five years ago when we first moved to the area. Within months of our first visit, the park was overrun by a major wildfire. Although the park has greened up, most of the scrub oak and aspen were surrounding it are still suffering from the fire. The park has a nice boardwalk and paved trail that lets visitors explore the springs.



After visiting the springs we headed back to the campsite for lunch. While the others decided to relax around the campsite, i.e. nap, I decided to take the opportunity to hike up to Silver Lake. The hike takes one through stands of quaking aspen and wildflower meadows up to the lake which is surrounded by jagged, rocky cliffs. In the picture below, the lake is located to the left side just above the rocky outcrop.



Given that it was late in the season and the lake is filled by snowmelt, the lake itself was a bit low on water, which was disappointing. However, the views from the trail were spectacular. Below is the view towards the backside of Mount Timpanogos. If you look closely you can still some snow on the upper reaches.



Here is another image of the view looking south from the trail up to Silver Lake.



On Sunday we packed up and on our way out stopped by Timpanogos Cave National Monument. This is a hike that Granny Di had been wanting to do for sometime. We had some trepidation about it as you gain over 1,000 feet in a little over a mile. Mom felt she was up for it, so we decided to give it a try. Although I believe it was challenging for her we made it to the cave and had a wonderful time on the guided tour through it. As with so many places in Utah, the views on the hike were spectacular. Here is view out the mouth of American Fork canyon towards the towns of Alpine and Highland.



Overall, we had a wonderful time and definitely plan on going back to Granite Flat next year.